"I'll be taking my leave." Elise says to both Albert and William in the living room.
Louis was waiting for her by the door and Fred had prepared the bouquets she asked. Moran was forced to wear an apron while carrying a feather duster to clean the dusts and was grumbling about cleaning.
Albert nodded to her direction and smiled. "Take care, sister."
"Eh? Where is she going?" Moran asks in confusion upon seeing her all dressed up but an idea entered his mind. "Do I get to be her bodyguard? You need one, right?"
He just wanted to get out of his ridiculous get-up, but the brothers were having none of that.
"There's no need. It's only an invitation of a tea party from Lady Cecilia of the Winstein house." William replied before sipping his tea. "Have fun, Elise."
Elise made a small smile before leaning in to peck his cheek, making the blonde momentarily stop his drinking. His heart skipped a beat from the contact but he managed to keep his composure and not drop his cup.
"I will," she says with a smile. "William."
Ah yes. Weeks later, she can now call the older blonde by his name without a stutter. But of course, when they are in the presence of other people, she calls him "nii-sama" since they are publicly known as siblings. She can only call him when they are in their estate or when they are alone.
And somehow, the remaining members had gotten used to their display of affection to each other. Actually, it's more like they're enjoying watching the times they are like that.
"Well then, I'll be off." She gave one last bow before leaving, with Louis escorting her to the carriage.
When she left, William couldn't remove the smile on his face and the others stared at him, seeing one of William's rare sides again. He went back to his papers and resumed making math problems for his students in a really good mood.
"He's way too happy for a kiss." Moran says.
Albert chuckled and flipped a page of the book he's reading.
***
"I'm really grateful that you accepted my invitation, Lady Elise!" The young woman, Lady Cecilia Winstein, clapped her hands and smiled in glee. "And thank you for the lovely flowers you brought!"
The flowers were now neatly arranged in a vase on the table they are using. It's a mix of various flowers, but it's mostly red roses, the trademark flower of the Moriarty family.
"It's my thanks for the invitation, Lady Cecilia. Next time, I'll make you your favorite sweets." Elise smiled in appreciation as she sat next to her.
"Ah, those lemon tarts?! I'm looking forward to it!"
The Winstein family, one of the few noble families Elise managed to build a connection after acquainting with their daughter. Although she befriends other noblewomen in order to gain information, she genuinely considers Lady Cecilia as a friend she can trust.
The two had met when both of them started in boarding school years back. Cecilia is younger than Elise by a few years and she was usually seen trailing after the brunette, for she adored and respected the youngest Moriarty after she saved her from the bullies.
It was then Elise decided to treat her as if she is her little sister and taught her that ranking has nothing to do in how you treat other people and everyone should be treated fairly.
It was then how she helped opened her mind to other things, to remove that narrow-mind and to have her own judgment. Unexpectedly, she grew up to be an outspoken and respectful young lady (even more so than the young woman) and Elise had to (comically) keep her in check when Cecilia would lash her tongue to anyone who dares insult other people, particularly the commoners, for no reason.
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Forbidden Flower of Moriarty || Moriarty the Patriot Fanfiction ||
Fanfiction"You are the pure flower trapped inside this cage of evil." Elise Moriarty is the youngest and the only daughter of the Moriarty Family. Born with unmatched beauty and grace, yet cursed with a weak health, she was carefully tucked away from the eye...
